htmlspecialchars() expects parameter 1 to be string

Error Message

htmlspecialchars(): Argument #1 ($string) must be of type string, array given

Cause

Passing an array to a Blade {{ }} expression that expects a string. Usually happens when a variable is an array but Blade tries to escape it.

Solution

Access the specific array key in the Blade template. Use @json() for arrays. Debug the variable to understand its structure.

Code Example

Fix

// Wrong - $data might be an array
{{ $data }}

// Right - access specific key
{{ $data['name'] }}

// Or check if it's an array
@if(is_array($data))
    @json($data)
@else
    {{ $data }}
@endif

// Debug the variable
@dump($data)

Debugging Steps

Use @dump() to inspect the variable
Check what the variable actually contains
Access the specific array key or index
Verify the controller passes the correct data to the view

Prevention

Always pass the correct data type to views. Use @json() for arrays. Validate data in the controller before passing to the view.